Pennsylvania leads states in net branch closings

Pennsylvania had more net bank branch closures than any other state in the past year, according to a recent study. And, among individual banks, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. ranked third.

Some 1,247 bank branches opened, while 2,519 closed across the United States and its territories Guam and Puerto Rico during the 12 months ended June 30, adding up to net closings of 1,272.

Pennsylvania led the pack with the highest net closings of -111, opening just 39 and closing 150, according to data compiled by SNL Financial. Two states shuttered more offices — Florida with 177 and California with 174 — but both had triple-digit openings, Florida at 112 and California at 158.

Among financial institutions, PNC, Pittsburgh’s largest bank, closed 95 and opened 34, winding up with -61 net closures, the third-highest level in the country. PNC (NYSE:PNC) also was third in terms of shedding the most branches. Bank of America Corp. was the nation’s most active closer, shutting 223, and SunTrust Banks was second, closing 107.